Most Kickstarters try to fund the creation of a series of images. But this latest project from Joe Giacomet is all for the creation of one image in the studio. Entitled, “Cash for Gold” it follows the story of an Olympic mascot that stuck around even after the Olympics are over. But now that no one is talking about it, the mascot decides to sell this gold medals.
Joe has scouted locations of various Cash for Gold stores (quick tip, they’re usually mafia owned) but hasn’t found quite the perfect look that he wanted. So in order to create the image, he’s planning on creating the scene in his studio. In turn, the Kickstarter is to fund the creation with props, set building, assistants being paid and all. And in return, he will offer a behind the scenes video of how he works.
Giacomet’s work actually has a very fine art feel to it and he’s won awards for his photography. He needs 1,500 quid (Euro) to get this done–which is honestly pennies when it comes to a major production shoot like this. Don’t take our word for it though. Listen to Joe after the jump.
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When the Gorillapod was announced, creatives were thrilled by just what they could do because of the flexibility that the bendable and posable tripod allowed. But a new Kickstarter named Flex Shot is looking to knock everything else off axis. The Flex Shot comprises of a moldable piece of matter that can constantly change shape to shift its center of gravity and keep your device propped up. They’re targeting it at smart phone, entry level DSLR, and tablet users.
Plus, it’s waterproof and fully submersible. The Flex Shot needs $50,000 in order to start up, and this one may become the envy of loads of mobile shooters.
When you’re done with it, you can probably just willingly beat it up–but only after you’re done with that shoot that has been annoying you for a while now.
Pinhole cameras are being made by loads of manufacturers, but a new Kickstarter called Ondu is trying to not only pitch them as cool with its classy music in the video, but also trying to create something that will last. They’re stating that the cameras are made from wood local to Slovenia and that there are oils that area rubbed on to promote longevity. The video also shows the process of making the cameras which also involves the use of strong magnets. Magnets are used to close the back cover to keep the film inside and from being accidentally exposed, and they are also used in the winders. The only screw on the cameras is for the shutter: to open and close the pinhole.
The cameras are going to come in 35mm formats and up to 4×5–the latter is often what delivers some of the best pinhole images. The company is looking to source $10,000 to pay for equipment, resources, and pinholes that need to be purchased in bulk to make them financially reasonable. And we believe that they might just do it.
We’ve covered pinhole cameras a lot here, and we love a couple of projects such as a camera with 25 pinholes, a shoebox camera, a spam can, and this exposure shot for a couple of months. This Kickstarter we’re very positive will reach its funding needs soon.
Thanks for the tip Peter! Send us your tips at news[at]thephoblographer[dot]com
I just stumbled on another great Kickstarter find and this time it’s Snapzoom. This product is seeking community funding to build a bridge between your smart phone and binoculars. I really didn’t expect much out of the project until I saw some example footage of some video shot through everyday Nikon binoculars. Snapzoom works with all major smartphones with or without a case. All you have to do is slide your smartphone into it and then attach it to either a dual or single eyepiece scopes. These include binoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes and microscopes.
There are still a few early bird spots left at $60 and for those who arrive a bit late can get Snapzoom for $70 over on their Kickstarter page. Below is the promo video for Snapzoom as well as some samples taken with the preproduction model and an iPhone 5.
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There are loads of filters: polarizers, variable NDs, UV filters, and more. But at the end of April, a new Kickstarter will be launching for Mount July Filters. These are filters that go onto the front of your lens and add a bit of cross processed fun to them. From the press release, they seem to have a variable effect that can spin around just like a variable ND in a way. You’ll be able to stack them on top of one another for even more different effects–though we’re not sure how much it will cut down on the image quality.
The company is stating that the filters are multi-coated with resin for low diffraction and that the ring itself is made from aluminum. Most filters are made from aluminum, but the reason why some brands (such as B+W filters) are so expensive is because they’re made from brass.
Once they launch, they’ll be available for under $30 each. I’m personally curious about how these might work when you add in a flash (which is generally daylight balanced) and then gel the strobe.
We ran across a new Kickstarter today called the, “Fusion Plate.” The idea solves something that I’ve known has been a problem plaguing sports photographers for a very long time. I’ve heard it for two years over my times of going to tradeshows and while working at B&H Photo. The Fusion Plate will let you quick attach your Black Rapid or other quick strap onto the botton of the camera. Then when you want to move it to a monopod, you can detach the strap quickly, flip up the port, and attach it to an Arca Swiss head.
This might not only work swimmingly for professional sports photographers, but also those shooting a high school/college game. In order to come to fruition, the Kickstarter needs to reach $7,500. Head over to the Kickstarter page and check it out for yourself. Fair warning though: the music is quite terrible in the video.
